Although Bobby Lashley (7-1) has been discussed as a possible opponent, the promotion is leaning toward “a European fighter” to meet Emelianenko (33-4).

“But this is all in the works right now, and nothing is confirmed,” Kogan said.

Emelianenko continues to rebound after a three-fight skid that prompted his exit from Strikeforce this past summer. Most recently, he knocked out Satoshi Ishii at “DREAM: New Year! 2011,” and a month prior, he outpointed veteran Jeff Monson.

Neither of those wins have deterred critics who say his time has past. Most notable among them is UFC president Dana White, who said Emelianenko “sucks” during an ambush interview with celebrity gossip website TMZ.

Losses to Fabricio Werdum, Antonio Silva and Dan Henderson put a stop to one of the most impressive and celebrated win streaks in the sport’s history. Prior to his slump, Emelianenko was virtually unbeaten in 10 years and reigned over the PRIDE heavyweight division until the promotion was sold to the UFC in March 2007.

Kogan declined to disclose other fighters under consideration for the July bout.

Lashley, a former WWE wrestler, most recently appeared in the cage this past November when he notched a first-round submission over Karl Knothe at Shark Fights 21. That built on a unanimous decision over John Ott at Titan Fighting Championship 17 eight months prior.
(Pictured: Fedor Emelianenko)

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